How to Prepare for your Everett Fall Family Photos
— Your prep guide for your fall family photo session —
I know we all feel summer slipping away and the kids will be back in school before we know it. If family photos are on your mind, but the thought of pulling it all together overwhelmes you, let me help you make it easy.
Let’s talk about the three common questions; when to book, where we should do your photos and what to wear. I will answer all of your questions so that we can make this as seamless as possible.
— When should we book our fall photo session? —
The short answer is NOW. The autumn months are my busiest and the dates fill up quickly.
Which month is best for you?
September is great because we have that cozy fall feeling without it being too cold. The weather is still pretty predictable and the days are getting shorter which makes our start time earlier. This is helpful for the little ones with early bedtimes. It’s a great time to embrace those fall earth tones in your wardrobe which photograph so well.
October is when the true fall colors usually come to life. The temperature’s start to cool and you can embrace sweaters and layers which help give your photos that warm autumn feeling.
November is when things get a bit more challenging. It’s definitely colder and of course the rain is always a considertation. But we can still grab some fall colors and take advantage of the leaves on the ground. Sunset is 4:30 so we’d be starting at 3:00 or so. You might need to have flexabilty in your schedule in case we need to reschedule if it rains.
— What locations are good for our fall family photos?—
I have some great locations that will embrace the fall colors. Once you are ready to book I will suggest some of my favorite go-to spots. I can help you decide what location is best for your family to provide the look you are going for. I can also help with things that you might not have considered for this season in life for your kids. When deciding on your photo shoot location the best place to start is with YOUR FAMILY.
Let’s start with the ages of your children.
Can they walk on their own? Will they need or want to be carried?
Some locations require a fair amount of walking as we move from one area to the next. If you have little ones, this might not work well.
Choosing a location that offers a few different backdrops while staying in one convenient area is a good choice when your children are young. That way we can create a variety of images while keeping it simple for the little ones.
But, If your kids are older, we have more options in choosing a location.
Walking to different spots can feel like an adventure. It keeps things moving can and add to the fun of the session.
— What should we do if it rains on our session date? —
You’re all set for your family photo session and as luck would have it, there is rain in the forecast. Now what?
We live in the PNW so, of course, the rain is a considertation. This is the time of year where I suggest that you have some wiggle room in your schedule in case we need to reschedule. I allow flexibilty in my calendar in the event that we need to postpone. And, the further we get into the season the more likely we will encounter some rain.
This time of year I always wait until the day prior to confirm. Sometimes we even check on the morning of. We all know how quickly our forecast can change and oftentimes it works out in our favor. Gray skies and clouds provide soft and flattering light and we all like flattering light. :) I have some clear umbrellas that make rainy day photos even more fun. And remember we are making a fun memory, not just taking photos. :)
If we end up with a wet day and you want to keep our date, I have some rainy day options that work well. We can get those love filled cozy shots no matter where we go.
—What should we wear for our fall family photos?—
Earth tones, earth tones, did someone say earth tones? Yes, please! Burnt orange, burgundy, olive green, dusty blue or pink, terra cotta, brown, creams and my favorite, caramel. If you can add caramel, I suggest doing it. It’s such a pretty color and looks great in photos. All of these colors give your photos a warm cohesive plus they look great together. Texture is our friend. Think chucky knit sweaters, corderoy and layers. All these add so much depth and variety to your photos. They also compliment the autum surroundings.
—Don’t forget to dress for the weather—
This is important. It doesn’t take long for a little one to get cold and once they are, it’s hard to keep them happy. Instead, dress in layers. And wear those layers for the session. If you take a coat on and off, they will be cold in no time. Plus it’s something extra to carry around. It’s better to dress warmly than it is to be cold. However, there’s no harm in wearing coats to a shoot, if that’s the look you want. If so, you can always throw on some hats and scarves and embrace the look. Otherwise, leave the coats in the car, dress warmly and add those layers.
—How to book your family fall session—
If you’ve decided that I am the right fit for your family, then let’s get that autumn ball rolling.
You can book your fall family photo session by booking directly online, or by sending me a message. I’m excited to hear from you so that we can plan your family session!
—Get ready to have a fun and stress-free photo session—
.1 Get scheduled.
.2 Decide on your outfits early on. You don’t want to be stressing over those details as the date approches. (I am happy to assist you if you have questions). Clothing tips and suggestions
.3 Choose a location that works well for your family.
.4 Dress for the weather. Add those layers and keep the kids happy.
.5 Have a calm day on the morning of the session, be prepared and allow plenty of time to get to our location.
.6 Have a fun filled photo session. Let go of expectations. Embrace the crazy. Go with the flow. Don’t expect your kids to be perfect. Don’t discipline them, instead act like they are the most adorable things ever.
More tips for a great family photo session
And don’t forget….I know how to run a session, I’ll give prompts, create games and make it enjoyable for you and your kids. I’ll keep things light and together we’ll make a memory. It will be fun, I promise!
